“Right, I’ve so much use for one of those. I can’t imagine what you were thinking, getting me something meaningful instead.” It’s said with a disapproving twist of her lips, a momentary spark of annoyance that he’s trying to brush this off – before it melts away. Lee sighs – a real sigh, relaxing through all her ribs – and watches Alastair as he dives for his mead like a drowning man.

She feels solidly, for the first time, that their friendship is as two-sided as she’d like it to be. This is a truly believable reciprocation from Alastair’s end, and she appreciates it immensely. It’s a relief from an anxiety she hadn’t even known she’d felt.

It lets her forgive him needing to redirect, and gives her a flash of – for Lee – unusual insight. She’s smiling innocently. “I’ve...not had too many close friends either. I’m—I’m glad I’ve got you.” She’s done this before, dancing closer to friendship with others, males and females. But there’s a bubble of unexpected tension in her gut, perhaps an extra alert happiness in her throat, right now. She swallows because she realizes her mouth has gone dry – thank goodness she’s got her tankard of water handy.

The necklace’s leather strap shifts at the back of her neck as she takes a sip. “Who else would I trust to get me exotic wares at bargain prices?”